Celebrate Earth Day Hawaii 1995: Ban with others nationwide for the preservation of Mother Earth
by Sharael Feist
Ka leo Staff Writer
1996
Millions of people across the world will ban together on April 22 in an effort to save the environment as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day.
Earth Day Hawaii ’95 is sponsoring several events this week on the University of Hawaii campus and throughout the community. The nonprofit organization is committed to promoting positive change in the state of Hawaii.
Earth Day ’95 Coordinator Sheila Laffy said, “Everyday should be Earth Day.” She encourages people to get involved in this week’s events. “Earth Day is a way to mobilize support and to focus people’s attention. It provides a rallying point for people to come together,” Laffy said.
If you want to get involved in saving the planet, here is a list of events happening this week:
- Thursday, April 20 – Energy Fair, Campus Center Courtyard, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On display will be solar powered cars, solar power panels, wind power plants and other environmentally friendly energy-saving devices. The event is sponsored by the UH School of Architecture and the American Institute of Architects.
- Friday, April 21 – Lecture series discussing “What will the future be -like? It will be held at the Campus Center Courtyard, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. The panel will include geography professor Deborah Woodcock, oceanography and climatology researcher Benedict Dousset, political science professor Jim Dator and oceanography professor Ed Laws. This event is sponsored by UH Sea Grant and UH SOEST.
- Friday, April 21 – Lecture on how buildings can be designed to have a positive impact on the environment and work toward long-term sustainability, Architecture Bldg. 214, 7:00.p.m. Featured will be Chris Belknap of Design Earth Synergy and Yictor Olgyay of the School of Architecture. This event sponsored is by UH School of Architecture and the American Institute of Architects.
- April 21,22 – Banff Festival of Mountain Films, UH Art Auditorium, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., $6 UHM students, $7 community and guests. Top winners in traveling festival of great adventure films.
- Saturday, April 22, Earth Day – Workshops on the topics of “Integrating Photovoltaics into Architecture,” Architecture Bldg. 214, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and “Solar Hot Water Systems and Buildings,” Architecture Bldg. 214; 9:00 a.m. to noon. To make reservations call 956-6845.
- Sunday, April 23 – 25th Anniversary Earth Day Fair, Kapiolani Park, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Featuring Earth Action Center, Community Visioning, Internet hook-up; interactive areas and games, educational displays, prizes, demonstrations; free tree and movie theater giveaways, giant puppets, 40-foot walk through whale, Trashnique Fashion Show, volunteer opportunities, food, music and environmental groups from around the state sharing their activities and plans. Music by Joanie Komatsu, Kenny Endo Taiko Drummers, the Royal Hawaiian Band and others. This event is in conjunction with the Honolulu International Bed Race forcruldren’s charities. For more information call 946-0007.
- Tuesday, April 25. – UH Manoa Community Based Planning Session with Jack Lewin as the mediator. Campus Center Free Speech Area, Il:OO a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This will be the first of a series of sessions in which citizens begin to plan the future of UHManoa.
Brian Schatz, coordinator for Youth for Environmental Service (YES) has planned several events concerning environmental awareness with youths.
“YES serves as a link for young people to get involved with our environment. They will be the ones making the decisions in the years to come,” Schatz said. He also said that he is in need of volunteers to help with upcoming projects. “Hawaii is a very special place, and it’s in a lot of trouble. We don’t want it to become another L.A.,” Schatz said.
If you would like to get involved with Earth Day ’95 or with Youth for Environmental Services call 946-0007 for more information.
25 Tips for Earth Day
1. Attend or help organize Earth Day events.
2. Support environmentally conscious businesses in your purchasing
and investment decisions.
3. “Adopt”(restore or improve) a beach or park or community area. Restore or improve it for Earth Day.
4. Be a friend to wildlife. Support preservation efforts for endangered species and habitats.
5. Communicate regularly to your elected officials about the importance of maintaining a clear, healthy environment by responding to environmental issues with your support.
6. Use natural pest control methods in your garden.
7. Join, contribute or volunteer with an environmental group.
8. Reduce your energy consumption and increase you energy efficiency.
9. Fast for a day. This personal act will raise your awareness of your relationship with food. Donate the money you would have spent on food to a local nonprofit group.
10. Dispose of hazardous materials properly. Conserve water.
12. Buy organic foods, eat vegetarian and reduce your overall meat consumption.
13. Wear Earth-friendly fashion.
14. Keep your engine well-tuned, emissions systems checked, buy radial tires and check tire pressure regularly.
15. Don’t buy products made from tropical hardwoods.
16. Read environmental books.
17. Support recycling at home and in your workplace.
18. Compost food and yard debris.
19. Use ouly biodegradable soaps and detergents.
20. Plant native, naturally drought-resistant trees and plants.
21. Buy products made with recycled materials.
22. Reduce your use of disposable items.
23. Reuse: Buy used or antique items and goods.
24. Bicycle, carpool or use public transportation.
25. Make an Earth Day pledge and keep it.